Associate Director, Surveillance Research Program

Job Summary

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks an innovative leader to serve as the Associate Director of the Surveillance Research Program (SRP) for the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS), National Cancer Institute (NCI). The SRP Associate Director reports directly to the Director, DCCPS. The mission of DCCPS is to provide national and international leadership in supporting research in surveillance, epidemiology, health services, behavioral science, and cancer survivorship, with the goal of reducing the burden of cancer in America. The Division plays a central role within the federal government as a source of expertise and evidence on issues such as cancer trends, the quality of cancer care, the economic burden of cancer, geographic information systems, statistical methods, genetic and environmental epidemiology, communication science, tobacco control, and implementation science. For more information on the division, go to https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/index.html

SRP is one of four extramural programs within DCCPS. SRP provides national leadership in the science of cancer surveillance as well as analytical tools and methodological expertise in collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating reliable population-based cancer statistics. It has 49 employees with a budget of $100M, $27M of which supports a surveillance grants program. This surveillance infrastructure benefits the public, policymakers, and scientists in understanding changes in cancer incidence and outcomes in all segments of the US population over time.

The SRP Associate Director leads the Office of the Associate Director by allocating resources, staff, and assignments, and establishes the scientific and strategic priorities for SRP and advances the activities of four unique scientific branches:

  • The Data Analytic Branch advances the science on analytic, modeling, reporting, and interpretation methods for cancer epidemiological surveillance data to measure progress in reducing the US cancer burden.
  • The Data Quality, Analysis, and Interpretation Branch provides essential information for tracking the nation’s progress against cancer and leads the analysis and interpretation of patterns and trends in population-based cancer surveillance data. 
  • The Statistical Research and Applications Branch provides optimal statistical methods for the collection, analysis, and presentation of essential measures related to the cancer control, surveillance, and epidemiology programs of NCI and the broader cancer control and research community. 
  • The Surveillance Informatics Branch advances precision cancer surveillance through the application of informatics tools, methods, and architectures.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess a doctoral-level degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.D.) in an academic field related to the health sciences or allied sciences appropriate to the work of this position and equivalent experience. The candidate must be an experienced scientist with expertise in managing complex and diverse cancer control and population sciences research programs involving surveillance research in cancer prevention and control. 

The candidate must have experience collaborating with a broad range of senior medical, scientific, and management staff within NCI and across NIH, other government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. Of special importance are strategic and scientific vision, leadership skills, and experience in the development and management of cancer surveillance research programs and technologies, strong fiscal responsibility, an understanding of new trends in cancer research, awareness of the complex challenges facing cancer surveillance research, and the ability to collaborate within and between complex organizations. Appointees may be US citizen, Legal Permanent Resident or non-US citizen who are eligible for a valid work authorization. Applications from women, persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged.

Location: Location of the position will be as advertised but may be negotiable with certain participating program areas after selected and an onboarding period. If a remote opportunity is negotiated, the selected individual must adhere to all regulations and policies regarding remote work at NIH and in the federal government, including the signing of a remote work agreement.

Benefits

This position will be filled under a Title 42 excepted service appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. A full civil service package of benefits may be available.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants.

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure

If selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 450 to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest and your prospective position with the agency.

Foreign Education

This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Learn more about Foreign Education.

Reasonable Accommodation

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.